Madison Living Magazine - July 2021

MADISON LIVING THE GUIDE • AROUND TOWN • CHAMBER CONNECTIONS • OUT & ABOUT • RICKY SHACK

July 2021 / $4.95 madisonlivingmagazine.com

The Affair at Madison Station The largest battle in Madison County during the Civil War was fought in the town of Madison

John Rankin Known as Madison’s historian, John Rankin was first known for his work in helping put a man on the moon

Food & Dining Mangia Italian Restaurant

Competition Cheerleading Cheerleaders aren’t just a pretty face

ALSO INSIDE MCS Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols reflects on his first year leading Madison schools Around Town with Lee Marshall Out & About with Rainbow Elementary Memorial Day in Madison WWII veteran celebrates 101 years Madison Living 1

This Summer Kick Back & Relax! both indoors and outdoors

Choose from a variety of comfortable and colorful furniture ready for immediate delivery!

for our latest deals. • Next to Golden Corral, just off the Beltline.

935 WIMBERLY DRIVE, DECATUR • 256-445-6818

We Are The Factory ry, y For Real, Not Like The Other Guys... So They Won’t Beat Our Prices 2 Madison Living

419421-1

Check us out on

Get surprisingly great Home & Auto rates.

Here’s the deal, our Home and Auto rates are already great. But when you combine with State Farm®, you can save even more. Call us to discover your surprisingly great rates on Home and Auto today.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

®

Individual premiums will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm underwriting requirements.

Wendy Burpee Ins Agency Inc Tim Barron, Agent Wendy Burpee, Agent 151 Hughes Road 150 Sun Temple Drive Madison, AL 35758 Madison, AL 35758 Bus: 256-772-0136 tim@timbarroninsurance.com wendy@wendyburpee.com

John M Gunn III, Agent 6945 Highway 72W Huntsville, AL 35806 Bus: 256-864-2223 john@johngunnagency.com

Brian Wiggins Ins Agency Inc Brian Wiggins, Agent 8871 Madison Blvd.

Madison, AL 35758 brian@brianwiggins.net

Diana Lockmiller Ins Agcy Inc Diana Lockmiller, Agent 1662 Slaughter Road Madison, AL 35758 diana@dianaismyagent.com

David Perkins, Agent Amanda Suciu, Agent 12906 Oliver Ln 7619 HWY 72 W Madison, AL 35756 Madison, AL 35758 Bus: 256-325-3080 Bus: 256-533-6868 david@davidperkinsinsurance.com amanda@amandasmyagent.com

Mary F Spears, Agent 155 Chestnut Drive Madison, AL 35758 Bus: 256-837-8899 maryspearsagency.com

Christina Smith, Agent 7262 Governors W #103 Huntsville, AL 35806 Bus: 256-270-9898 christina@christinasmithagency.com

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnity Company State Farm Fire and Casualty Company State Farm General Insurance Company Bloomington, IL State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas State Farm Lloyds Richardson, TX State Farm Florida Insurance Company Winter Haven, FL 2001867 417654-1

Madison Living 3

Alison James John Few

MADISON CONTRIBUTORS MADISON Gregg Parker LIVING LIVING Bob Labbe

EDITORIAL Richard George EDITOR Rebekah Martin Joshua Berry JohnJames Few Alison Erin Coggins John Few Lee Marshall CONTRIBUTORS Mayor Paul Finley Bob Labbe CONTRIBUTORS MaryGregg LynneParker Wright Parker MaryGregg Anne Swanstrom Erin Coggins Bob Labbe Joshua Berry Richard George Erica DeSpain MARKETING Joshua Berry MaryCounts Anne Donna Erin Coggins Swanstrom Lee Marshall Lee Marshall ADMINISTRATIVE Mayor Paul Finley Mary Lynne Wright Sierra Jackson Richard George Mary Lynne Wright French Salter Mayor Finley Mary AnnePaul Swanstrom

•••

MARKETING MARKETING Donna Counts

CONTACT US Donna Counts Madison Publications, LLC 7734 Madison Blvd.EDITOR Suite 115 MANAGING ADMINISTRATIVE Huntsville, AL 35806 French Salter Sierra256-772-6677 Jackson Phone: Fax: 256-772-6655 French Salter madisonlivingmagazine.com

CONTACT US

•••

Madison Living Madison Publications, LLC is published monthly 7734 Madison Blvd. Suite CONTACT US 115

by Madison Publications, LLC. Huntsville, AL 35806 A one-year subscription to Madison Publications, LLC Phone: 256-772-6677 Madison Living 7734 Madison Blvd.

Suite 115 Fax: 256-772-6655 is $24.99 for 12AL issues per year.

Huntsville, 35806 madisonlivingmagazine.com Single copies are available at Phone: 256-772-6677 select throughout Fax:locations 256-772-6655 Madison Living the Madison area. madisonlivingmagazine.com is published monthly by To advertise or to get Madison Living LLC. Madison Publications, more copies, is published monthly to A one-year subscription call 256-772-6677.

by Madison LLC. MadisonPublications, Living is $24.99 A one-year subscription to for 12 issues per year.

Copyright 2020 Madison Livingare Single copies

by Madison Publications, LLC is $24.99 for 12 issues per year. available at select Single copies are available at locations throughout 4 select Madison Livingthroughout locations the Madison area. the Madison area.

To getget To advertise advertiseorortoto more morecopies, copies, call256-772-6677.

256-772-6677. call Copyright 2020 Copyright 2020 by Publications,LLC LLC

by Madison Madison Publications, 4 Madison Living

4 Madison Living

and Dadeville, followed by a stop in Opelika before landing in north Alabama. She loves sharing the stories – and correcting the grammar of those stories – of the people and places that make north Alabama such a special place.

...

CONTRIBUTORS John Few, Editor Alison James, copy editor

John Few hasearned been in thebachelor’s field of newspaper journalism at and production for over 25 Alison James her degree in journalism Auburn University, years. Johninhas served staffher writer, editor and publisher for a variety of publications graduating 2012.

She as began career in community journalism in Alexander City in Alabama and Mississippi.

He was transferred 2009 toinbegin coverage of loves and Dadeville, followed by a stop in Opelika beforeinlanding northhis Alabama.

She Madison. covering thecorrecting City of Madison the past 10 years, John onplaces sharing theIn stories – and the grammar of those stories – ofhas the reported people and several key events, such as construction of the Hogan Family YMCA and James that make north Alabama such a special place.

Clemens High School. Over the years, as Madison has grown, John has been there to cover the news that has made Madison home. Together John and his wife, Lori, have seven children, ranging from 15-23 years old.

John Few, contributing writer Bob Labbe, contributing writer

Bob Labbe is abeen lifelong resident the Huntsville community.

He has beenfor innearly the local John Few has in the field ofofnewspaper journalism and production 25 news media for served 48 years, journalistTimes, in television, radio and print years.

John has as a multi-award-winning staff writer for The Demopolis the daily newspaper media. is a member of thefor Huntsville-Madison County HallGazette. of FameHe and has in West He Alabama, and editor the weekly newspaper theAthletic Black Belt was been nominated for to both the his Alabama Press Association Alabama of transferred in 2009 begin coverage of Madison.

Inand covering the Music City ofhalls Madison fame.

Bob hosted radio program, The Years,such for 29 on WLRH-FM the past 10 has years, Johna has reported onReelin’ severalinkey events, asyears construction of the Public Family Radio. He has also a local highHigh school basketball for 28 years andhas was Hogan YMCA and been James Clemens School.

Overreferee the years, as Madison a high school football 15 years.

Bob is anhas avidmade sportsMadison fan and home. collector of 45 grown, John has been referee there tofor cover the news that Together rpm records.

He once boxed Ali and was from the reporter who asked John and his wife, Lori, haveMuhammad seven children, ranging 15-23 years old. the famed Paul Bear Bryant his last question as coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Gregg Parker, contributing writer Bob Labbe, contributing writer

A graduate Mississippi State Gregg Parker relocated to Madison with Bob Labbe isof a lifelong resident ofUniversity, the Huntsville community.

He has been in the local Intergraph Corporation 1990 with wife Brenda and son For radio 15 years news media for 48 years, ainmulti-award-winning journalist in Andy. television, andGregg print wrote for Spirit” “Limestone Spirit” sections in “The Times.” media.

He “Madison is a member of theand Huntsville-Madison County Athletic HallHuntsville of Fame and has His articles havefor been in numerous chamber of Alabama commerce publications, been nominated bothpublished the Alabama Press Association and Music halls of “Southern Family Magazine” and “Life on the Gregg considers a privilege to fame.

Bob has hosted a radio program, Reelin’ inWater.”

The Years, for 29 years onitWLRH-FM document Madison’s coming age high in hisschool hundreds of articles forfor “The Madison Public Radio.

He has also been aoflocal basketball referee 28 years and was andfootball “Madison Living” magazine.

Gregg spoiling his collector rescue dachshund, aRecord” high school referee for 15 years. Bob is an enjoys avid sports fan and of 45 rpm Francis He Underwood Parker; binge-watching Netfl series;and andwife records. once boxed Muhammad Ali and was theix reporter whovisiting asked Andy the famed Paul Saadia, bothhis physicians, in Nashville, Bear Bryant last question as coach ofTenn. the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Erin Coggins, Gregg Parker, contributing contributing writer

AErin graduate of is Mississippi University, Gregg Madison High with Coggins a scholasticState journalism adviser andParker historyrelocated teacher attoSparkman Intergraph in 1990 withand wifepublic Brenda and son Andy. ForHer 15 years Gregg writer relations consultant. writing muse is School. SheCorporation is also a freelance wrote “Madison Spirit” and “Limestone “The Huntsville Times.”

Worldfor War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle,Spirit” whom sections she fell ininlove with while a student His articles have been published in numerous chamberErin of commerce publications, studying communications at the University of Alabama. and her husband Jamie “Southern Family Magazine” and “Life on the Water.” Gregg considers it a privilege reside in Madison. to document Madison’s coming of age in his hundreds of articles for “The Madison Record” and “Madison Living” magazine. Gregg enjoys spoiling his rescue dachshund, Francis Underwood Parker; binge-watching Netflix series; and visiting Andy and wife Saadia, both physicians, in Nashville, Tenn.

Erin Coggins, writer Joshua Berry, contributing photographer

Erin Coggins a scholastic journalism adviser and teacher at Sparkman High Joshua Berryishas a degree in biology and works fullhistory time as an aquatic instructor for the School.

She is also aHe freelance writer public relations consultant.

Herdistances. writing muse is City of Huntsville. is also an avidand runner, ranging from short to long When World War II war correspondent Ernie Pyle, whom he sheenjoys fell in trying love with while a the student he’s not spending time with his wife and daughter, to capture perfect studying theowner University of Alabama.

Erin andhis heradvice husband Jamie momentcommunications on his camera. Asatthe of Everlong Photography, for beautiful reside in Madison. pictures is that nothing looks better than being confi dent in oneself.

Joshua Berry, photographer Joshua Berry has a degree in biology and works full time as an aquatic instructor for the City of Huntsville. He is also an avid runner, ranging from short to long distances. When he’s not spending time with his wife and daughter, he enjoys trying to capture the perfect moment on his camera. As the owner of Everlong Photography, his advice for beautiful pictures is that nothing looks better than being confident in oneself.

Growing Our Team!

GrowingOurTeam!

INDEPENDENT INVESTMENTS GROUP A financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

WE CAN HELP WE CAN HELPYOU YOUWITH: WITH: Retirement income strategies Retirement income strategies Saving education costs Saving forfor education costs Insurance and annuities Insurance and annuities Liquidity solutions Liquidity solutions Financial planning Financial planning Investments Investments

Retirement planning

Retirement planning

Personal trust services

Personal trust services

Tax planning strategies

Tax planning strategies

Timothy Wakefield

Tarah Lankster

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor

Financial Sales Assistant

o 256.765.3622 c 256.762.6647

o 256.765.3637 c 256.762.1563

o 256.216.3753 c 256.762.5663

teresa.turner@ampf.com 210 South Pine Street Florence, AL 35630

timothy.wakefield@ampf.com 210 South Pine Street Florence, AL 35630

tarah.lankster@ampf.com 101 South Clinton Street Athens, AL 35611

Located at BANK INDEPENDENT

Available to make appointments at any Bank Independent location.

Not aNot Deposit | Not||FDIC-Insured NotFDIC-Insured FDIC-Insured | Not | Guaranteed Not Guaranteed by

by Institution the Institution May |Go May Go Down Go in Down in Value in Value Notaa Deposit Deposit Not | Not Guaranteed bythe the Institution | |May Down Value Ameriprise Ameriprise Financial Financial and the and financial the financial institution institution are not not areaffiliated. affiliated. not affiliated.

Ameriprise Financial and the financial institution are Investment Investment advisory advisory products products and services and services services are are made are made available available through through Ameriprise Ameriprise Financial Financial Services, Services, LLC., a registered a registered investment investment Investment advisory products and made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC., a LLC., registered investment adviser. adviser.

Securities Securities offered offered

by Ameriprise Ameriprise Financial Financial Services, Services, LLC.LLC. Member Member FINRA FINRA and and SIPCSIPC adviser.

Securities offered byby Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC © 2020 ©2020 2020 Ameriprise Ameriprise Financial, Financial, Inc. Inc. All rights reserved. reserved.

(02/20) (02/20) © Ameriprise Financial, Inc.All Allrights rights reserved.

(02/20)

419420-1

Teresa Turner

Madison Living 5

We work tirelessly to help kids get well because Hugh has a long list of stuff he wants to do.

27 PEOPLE

WE DO WHAT WE DO

15 JOHN RANKIN Known as Madison’s historian, John Rankin was first known for his work with the U.S. space program

BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

15 MADISON AT WAR The largest battle in Madison County during the Civil War was fought in the town of Madison in May 1864.

SPORTS

33 COMPETITION CHEER Cheerleaders aren’t just a pretty face or, in some cases, a handsome face.

They are an elite group of athletes.

15 IN EVERY ISSUE

7 The Guide 20 Madison City Schools 24 Shopping 38 Around Town 39 Out & About 50 The Ricky Shack 53 MCC Connections

48

1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 ChildrensAL.org 419424-1

(205) 638-9100

6 Madison Living

33

Summer is Here… With Sizzling Hot Deals!

FIRE UP THE SAVINGS!

15% OFF

For a Limited Time

SCREEN-ROOMS, PATIO COVERS & DECKS*

Call TODAY!

256-739-0317

38

A TRADITION OF QUALITY HOME IMPROVEMENTS SINCE 1972. *The discount (15%) applies to materials only and onluy for a limited time. No other coupon or discounts can be combine together. Call for details.

419423-1

“We specialize in making your remodeling dreams become a reality.”

Madison Living 7

THE GUIDE

City of Madison Star Spangled Celebration • Dublin Park • July 3 • 5-9 p.m.

It is back -- and at Dublin Park. Celebrate Independence Day weekend in Madison’s Dublin Park for the Star Spangled Celebration on Saturday, July 3. The free event will be held 5 to 9 p.m.and will include inflatables, live music, and fireworks. It will also feature the third annual Liberty Cornhole Tournament. A free shuttle service to and from Bob Jones High School will be provided for all attendants. For more information, visit www.madisonal.gov/216/Special-Events.

Got ugly concrete?

Upgrade Your Concrete Today and Enjoy it for a Lifetime!

We can make it beautiful!

Warranty EPOXY COATING

LIFETIME

Turn your tired old concrete into a beautiful, usable space with coatings from Decorative Concrete.

• Chemically Resistant to Stains • Solid-state Floor - No Peeling

Your garage floor can be durable AND dazzling

• Many Color Options • Easy to Maintain

Get inspired at decorativeconcretehsv.com

FREE on-site estimate 256-883-1394 419442-1

8 Madison Living

PREMIUM FOOD IN A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE. RELAX. SAVOR. MAKE MEMORIES THAT LAST. Enjoy exceptional recipes, a unique atmosphere and authentic hospitality.

Our menu is prepared with the finest ingredients and features Black Angus Prime Beef and fresh seafood that's flown in weekly.

L O C A L LY O W N E D & O P E R A T E D

256.715.1283

8141 HWY 72 W, in Madison, next to Target

Connect with us on social media:

TomBrownsRestaurant.com

Make a reservation:

419428-1

MADISON’S PREMIUM STEAK AND SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Madison Living 9

THE GUIDE Fireworks Spectacular

Toyota Field July 4 • 4-9 p.m.

It’s back for a second year. The Rocket City Trash Pandas announced last week they will again host the “Fireworks Spectacular” at Toyota Field on the 4th of July.

This patriotic extravaganza will feature on-field activities, food trucks, and live entertainment. It begins at 4 p.m. and ends at 9 after the fireworks show. For more about this event, go to www.trashpandasbaseball.com.

NEW EXHIBITION

rocketcenter.com/drones

10 Madison Living

@RocketCenterUSA

419432-1

Explore the history of drone technology, from the earliest unmanned flying machines to advanced systems of the 21st century.

419429-1

THE GUIDE

Madison Living 11

THE GUIDE Uncaged: Birds, Nature, & You ALL MONTH Huntsville Botanical Garden www.hsvbg.org

419435-1

Uncaged is a collection of interactive pieces that explore the lives of our charismatic feathered friends: birds!

Featuring seven different structures spread throughout the Garden, Uncaged is an opportunity for guests of all ages to explore, learn, and play. Imagine you are sitting down to a feast at a bird’s dining room table, or explore the comforts of a bird’s home inside an oversized birdhouse. Plus, you’ll discover a giant cuckoo clock, sit inside an enormous egg, pretend you’re a bird soaring through the sky, and more. At Uncaged, there’s a surprise (and a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity!) around every corner.

Each piece in Uncaged is unique and inventive, created by local artists and architects who have partnered with the Garden to bring the experience to life. Accompanying each structure is a guide that explores what makes birds so special and essential in our ecosystem.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a bird enthusiast, or an art aficionado, Uncaged will take you on a delightful adventure through the Garden to discover the secrets of our feathered friends like you’ve never seen before.

Uncaged is open every day during regular Garden hours through October 31, and the experience is included with Garden admission.

12 Madison Living

Let's Be Social!

419440-1

THE GUIDE

Trash Pandas’ On Field Movie Night • Toyota Field • July 17 • 5 -8:30 p.m.

Take in a night under the stars at Toyota Field for a movie night on July 17. Enjoy “Raya and the Last Dragon” on the Trash Pandas’ HD video board from the field. The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and kids 2 & under are free. For more about this event, go to www.trashpandasbaseball.com. cookmuseum.org

LIVE ANIMALS

INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS

ENGAGING ACTIVITIES

419439-1

DISCOVER SOMETHING

Madison Living 13

THE GUIDE

Outdoor Movie Nights • Madison Public Library • July 8 & 22 starting at 8 p.m.

Here is another great opportunity for out movie night fun. The Madison Public Library, 142 Plaza Blvd., is hosting outdoor movie nights this summer. Two of the dates fall in July. The library will show “Into the Woods” on July 8 and “Forbidden Planet” on July 22.

The fun starts at 8 p.m. Check hmcpl.org/events for more information or weather cancellations.

Thank You!

419427-1

Zion Gourmet Popcorn would like to thank our loyal customers for supporting us for the last 3 years.

Your outstanding support just made us the #1 gourmet popcorn seller!

104 Main Street, Madison, AL • 256-631-5982 • zionpopcorn.com Sunday/Monday 11am-4pm; Tuesday/Friday 11am-5pm zionpopcorn@gmail.com

14 Madison Living

Silly Sidewalk • Madison Public Library While you are at the Madison Public Library, 142 Plaza Blvd., there’s something new and silly to check out. Try their “Silly Sidewalk”. This outdoor program was designed for children to help promote literacy and encourage exercise and wellness. Once you are done, you can enter on site to win a prize. Go to hmcpl.org for more information or check out their Facebook page.

PEOPLE

JOHN RANKIN Known as Madison’s historian, John Rankin was first known for his work in helping put a man on the moon STORY BY JOHN FEW PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY

Madison Living 15

16 Madison Living

W

When John Rankin turns 79 on July 20 his thoughts are bound to journey back over 50 years when as a young electrical engineer when he played a very significant role in landing the first man on the moon.

Rankin, who retired in 1996, moved to Madison with his family in 1986 and has dedicated his life to documenting and preserving history. He has spent the past few years digitizing historical archives at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and the downtown Huntsville ibrary, and he estimates he has written all or parts of 17 different historical-themed books, including the Madison entry in the “Images of America” series.

His passion for history led to his writing “Memories of Madison,” covering 1857-2000.

A series of his writings about Madison can also be found in The Madison Record each week. One of his stories, “The Affair at Madison Station” can be found in this issue of Madison Living Magazine on page 27.

Before he became known as the city’s historian, Rankin worked for most of his life as an electrical engineer, a career that took him all over the country – from Ames Research Center in Mountain iew, California, to Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, and finally to Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville. He worked on projects ranging from rockets to wind turbines, from the BART public train system in the San Francisco Bay Area to the International Space Station.

“It’s a strange and weird career,” Rankin said about his time as an electrical engineer. “There’s constant interruption, and

you can’t make long-term plans. I traveled 80 percent of my time for 20 or 30 years.”

One highlight of Rankin’s career is having worked on every Apollo mission. His work brought him into contact with wellknown figures of the Apollo program, like Dieter Grau.

His 31-year career with The Boeing Company started in Seattle with commercial jet design and then military systems, including Minuteman. He transferred to the Apollo program in Houston when ASA requested special support after deaths of Gus Grissom, Ed White and Roger Chaffee.

Rankin supported hundreds of ASA projects, all military branches and industrial commercial projects, including extensive accident investigations. He earned numerous awards during a “star-studded” career.

Shortly after arriving in Houston, T to help with the Apollo program, Rankin was tasked with one of his most difficult challenges, one that ultimately could have proven disastrous for the astronauts if not successfully met.

“What I was asked to do for the Apollo program, was to find a way to prevent sneak circuits from happening,” Rankin said.

“Most people had never heard of the term at that time. I had never heard of it either.”

A 1969 newspaper story about Rankin in the Starkville Daily News explained that sneak circuits had baffled veteran engineers and had threatened President John F . Kennedy’s goal of putting a man on the moon by 1970.

A “sneak” circuit was a bug in the electrical circuitry within

Feel Better.

Enjoy Life.

Medical and Surgical Specialists of the Head and Neck

• HEARING • BAL ANCE • ALLERGY 419438-1

1218 13th Avenue SE Decatur • 256-355-6200 decaturent.com 419431-1

Madison Living 17

A newspaper clipping from 1969 detailing John Rankin’s valuable contribution to the NASA Apollo program.

July 11, 1969 - Starkville Daily News

Elegant.

Artistic.

Unique.

MAIN STREET WEST 398965-1

PURVEYORS OF ART IN ITS MANY FORMS

ORIGINAL ART

PRINTS

18 Madison Living

LAMPS

FRAMING

SCULPTURE

DES CADEUX UNIQUES EN LEUR GENRE

123 MAIN STREET W. HARTSELLE, ALABAMA 35640 256.502.9544

the command module of the Apollo spacecraft. “Each time space scientist put together a capsule for an Apollo shot at the moon, they found the vast electrical networks plagued by sneak circuits,” the newspaper article stated. “That is, the electrical currents were not always going where they were supposed to. There were leaks from one component to another.”

The sneak circuits in the control and informational systems of the Apollo spacecraft could have spelled disaster for the program if not fixed.

Rankin utilized a team of about 15 to 20 engineers to find a way to identify and prevent sneak circuits before they happened.

“The sneaks’ were hard to detect because they by-passed the tests, the tests never found them,” Rankin said. “They were discovered after the fact.”

Between ov. 21 and Dec. 9, 1968, Rankin and his team “closeted” themselves and devised a computer program that would solve the issue.

“Rankin and key programmers worked two and three shifts a day, up to the limit of exhaustion,” The Boeing Company stated when Rankin was included in the Apollo Saturn Honor Roll, a highly prestigious honor only three percent of those who worked on the program achieved. Copies of the Honor Roll has been placed in the ibrary of Congress and Smithsonian Institute.

“One morning while I was shaving I was thinking how I had not come up with anything that could prevent sneak circuits from happening,” Rankin recalled. “I was thinking, God, it is just not fair. It’s a serious problem and they want my help and I do not have the foggiest idea how to solve it. It is not fair to ask me to do something that cannot be done.

“In my thought process while praying to God, I thought, in college they had never prepared us for the world of sneak circuits,” Rankin said. “I thought, why didn’t they prepare us, why didn’t we see sneak circuits in the college level textbooks ’ Then the lightbulb came on, from above down to me! The college textbooks all had the circuit diagram, not the way the wires are run through the apparatus and equipment. They were neat little pictures, very simple.”

Rankin said he began to process in his mind what would happen if he took the Apollo wiring diagrams and equipment designs and create a network topological diagram of each circuit that did anything, similar to what he had seen in the college textbooks.

Through that approach they were able to create diagrams that could identify potential sneak circuits before they happened and prevent them. The break through came in time to have a huge impact on putting the first man on the moon, which occurred on his birthday on July 20, 1969.

Rankin would go on to have several more adventures throughout the his career.

In 1986, John with his wife Mildred found Madison a “welcome relief from big-city environments” after living near Seattle, Houston and San Francisco. He had lived here once before, returning from California for his work with Space Station. During 19701971, he had assisted with Skylab in Huntsville. ast month, Rankin was presented the Madison City Coin, an honor given to citizens by the Madison City Council and Mayor for their outstanding contributions to the community that make Madison a better place to live.

Imagine your home, totally organized!

Custom Closets, Garage Cabinets, Home Offices, Pantries, Laundries and Hobby Rooms

40% Off

Plus Free Installation PLUS TAKE AN EXTRA

15% Off

40% off any order of $1000 or more. 30% off any order $700 or more. On any Closet, Garage or Home Office. Take an additional 15% off for on any complete system order.Not valid with any other offer. Free installation with any complete unit order of $500 or more. With incoming order, at time of purchase only. Expires Aug. 31, 2021. (ML)

Call for a free in home design consultation and estimate

256-290-1098 ML

www.closetsbydesign.com Follow us :

2017© All Rights Reserved. Closets by Design, Inc. Licensed and Insured

419430-1

Madison Living 19

....................... Madison City Schools .......................

Dr. Nichols congratulates a graduate at the James Clemens High School graduation in May.

A reflection of my first year with Madison City Schools

I

In the words of T.S.Elliott, “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.”

As I reflect on the past year, I cannot even begin to find the words to express my appreciation for the dedication of our administration, teachers, staff, students and parents and for all Dr. Ed Nichols they did to keep our focus on our chilMadison City Schools dren during this, the most challenging Superintendent of years. of Education When I began my journey on June 1, 2020, I knew that I had been given a special opportunity in a special community. In spite of the

...

20 Madison Living

challenges we’ve all experienced together, I still say I “get to” work here in Madison. I drive to work with a smile on my face every day because of the incredible community I get to serve.

My dad, a retired Air Force Master Sergeant, always said, “you will know the true heart of people when the pressure of life is applied to them.” I can say that without a doubt, our community overcame unforeseen and often daily challenges of the pandemic - all while showing grace, mercy, and love for our kids and educators. The pressure of life was certainly applied, and our community showed its true heart every single day.

Even though schedules and programs had to be adjusted and consistently refined, our teachers and students still reached the highest of performance and academic expectations. We launched a Partners In Education program with our local community. We saw local churches support all of

Dr. Nichols on a visit to Mill Creek Elementary School with principal Carmen Buchanan.

419443-1

Less Money… Live Better

BrelandHomes.com 419437-1

Madison Living 21

“ ”

I drive to work with a smile on my face every day because of the incredible community I get to serve.

the basic needs of our students. Our community rallied and provided over 400 backpacks full of supplies for our students. We welcomed 62 percent of students back into our buildings and 38 percent into our virtual classrooms.

We finished the school year with 76 percent of students learning in-person and 24 percent learning virtually.

As we reflect on the past year and all of the obstacles we overcame, we are excited about the future and the prospect of a more normal school year.

Now we’re moving forward stronger and better prepared than ever before.

I am pleased to report that we are in the last steps in developing our one-

Dr. Nichols at the groundbreaking of Journey Middle School.

Doing more than expected.

256.885.2515 | TWOMENANDATRUCKHUNTSVILLE.COM Each franchise is independently owned and operated. | U.S. DOT No. 930909 | MC 401062C

22 Madison Living

419436-1

The “Movers Who Care®” Difference.

to-one computer initiative for the district. Though one-toone has been a goal of MCS for some time, the revelations of the pandemic have accelerated our efforts. To move forward confidently, we must ensure that every student has a device to call their own. Many additional details are yet to come for this initiative. This is just the first step in letting our community know where we’re headed. We look forward to releasing a very thorough video and supporting resources early next school year to clarify our vision for this initiative.

I am also eager to share that we are beginning the strategic planning process as a district. A few weeks ago, we began seeking input from stakeholders through four different surveys: students, faculty and staff, parents, and community members. The results will be shared with our staff and Strategic Planning Committee (composed of representatives from all stakeholder groups) as we utilize this feedback to set goals at the district and school level to better serve our MCS family.

This year, we learned; we laughed; we had frustrations.

Most of all we had a community that came together and supported our staff and faculty, while our staff and faculty supported our student body. In such a tumultuous time, these partnerships ensured our students had a safe place to land.

After the last 18 months, I am convinced that Madison can accomplish literally anything we set our minds to, and I am very excited about our next chapter as we move into the 2021-2022 school year.

$1.00 OFF A ny Tellini’s Specialty Menu Lasagna, Baked Pasta, or Gourmet Pizza Coupon not valid with any other offer. One coupon per person, per visit. MCFP Coupon expires 08/31/21

T EL L INI’S I TA L I A NO 1515 Perimeter Pkwy • Huntsville • 256-726-9006 Sun-Thurs 10:30-9:30 • Fri & Sat 10:30-10:00

PIZZAS, PASTAS, PANINIS, and SALADS DINE IN • DRIVE-THRU • CATERING

256-726-9006 - www.tellinis.com 419426-1

Madison Living 23

SHOPPING Add some color to your wardrobe with the dear John “Gigi” shorts at Indigo’s

Be your best you.

Indigo’s ✤

at the avenue

201 Jeff fferson St N Downtown Huntsviille ff 209B 2nd Ave SE Downtown Decatur

MYINDIGOS.COM

419434-1

Clothing Jewelry Accessories Handbags

Look at what you will find at Noble Passage Interiors

419441-1

Your Local Expert in Fine Furniture Design Accessories, Unique Clothing, Jewelry, & More

INTERIORS 204 Main Street • Madison, AL 35758 • 256-325-1919 Tuesday - Friday 10-5; Saturday 10-4

24 Madison Living

Nothing like a European cut 5.00ct Diamond from Meyer and Lee

The cutest jeans are in at Filthy Gorgeous on Main!

The perfect wash for any occasion.

There’s a lot to choose from at Noble Passage Interiors

Shop our exclusive fashion boutique, with Filthy Gorgeous clothing dedicated to empowering women to look and feel their best!

14 Main St Suite F • Madison, AL 35758 256-325-2225

filthy-gorgeous.com

419425-1

Madison Living 25

Plenty of decor ideas at Noble Passage Interiors Super dainty heart and cross necklaces for a minimalist look.

These are so perfect for everyday wear for those who don’t like wearing anything big and flashy!

Meyer and Lee

Chandra is killing it in this stunning Casual Midi Dress.

This is the perfect shade of sage green and looks great for summer! Find it at Filthy Gorgeous on Main

FINE JEWELRY Antique | Estate | Custom Design In-store Jewelry Repair, Watch Repair, and Appraisals 2314 Memorial Parkway S, Huntsville • 256-536-3321 419433-1

26 Madison Living

AFFAIR AT MADISON STATION The largest battle in Madison County during the Civil War was fought in the small town of Madison on May 17, 1864 STORY BY JOHN RANKIN

Madison Living 27

28 Madison Living

T

There were only two battles of any size fought in Madison County during the Civil War. They were both fought in and around the town of Madison, about seven months apart. Madison’s location along the railroad halfway between Huntsville and Decatur was one of the primary reasons for its strategic importance at the time. The outcomes of both of these local Civil War engagements were affected by weather extremes.

Artillery and rifles were the weapons of the day for the conflict that occurred on May 17, 1864, in a driving rain that obscured vision and minimized likelihood of audible detection of forces approaching for the surprise attack. The engagement began shortly after dawn with Confederate fire upon the occupying Union forces around the railroad depot in Madison.

The Confederate attack began after the Southern troops had crossed the river at Triana during the night, taken out the Union sentries, and surrounded the town on all sides.

The Rebels also had brought along four small cannons or howitzers, but some reports indicate that one of the big guns was not usable.

The alarm was reportedly first sounded for the Union troops in the town when one of their foraging parties encountered Confederates north of the historic district around

8:00 a.m. However, the town was already surrounded, so the Union troops fought from behind bales of cotton piled around the train depot and from a small barricaded “fortress” in one of shops on the south side of Main Street.

After receiving incoming cannon fire at the depot loading dock, the Union commander realized that their position was untenable, so they focused a counter-attack along the railroad to break out toward Huntsville, where the main Union forces were quartered. The engagement continued eastward along the tracks to the Indian Creek railroad bridge. The stone support columns are still in place just beyond the southeastern corner of today’s Madison Academy campus.

The modern rails do not actually rest upon the old stone columns now.

It was at the eastern end of this bridge that the Union troops regrouped and held their position across the creek until later in the day when reinforcements arrived by train from Huntsville. Meanwhile, before retreating the Rebel force set fire to the depot and to the cotton bales that the Union had confiscated. By the time the Union counter-attack from the railroad bridge at Indian Creek commenced, the Rebel troops had looted the tents, armaments, and other supplies that the escaping Union forces had hastily abandoned in the town.

Madison Living 29

Before the end of the day, the Confederates had gone back across the river at Triana with some captives and their plunder.

A Confederate history report written in 1890 at one point stated that 80 Union prisoners were taken. In another place the number was given as 130 prisoners, while stating that the Federal Garrison numbered 400 men. Patterson was stated as losing only 7 killed and wounded.

The many accounts of the “affair” include numerous variations of the details, as written by defensive Union commanders and later by sparse Confederate memories. However, all agree that it was raining so hard that the combatants could barely see their opposition.

The Union accounts described the event as involving far more rebels than could possibly have been present at that point in the war here. The local Southern defense forces were ill-equiped, exhausted, and low on munitions in 1864. The information which follows is excerpted from a book of 123 pages written by loyd anphere (deceased), as published in 2001 by the Madison Station Historical Preservation Society.

The official Union reports claimed that 350 Union troops of the 13th Illinois Infantry were attacked by a Rebel force of between 1,000 and 1,500 cavalry and infantry. More realistic descriptions suggest that a maximum of 500 under-fed and worn-out but desperate Confederates were raiding for supplies when they routed the well-rested Union troops from leisurely sleep as they were awaiting muster out of service within a few weeks. An 1866 history of the 13th Illinois Infantry stated that 66 Union pickets and skirmishers were captured by the Rebels, who suffered 60 killed, wounded, or missing.

Written Confederate reports are sparse from the last months of the war, but there are numerous descriptions of the engage-

Madison Station in the late 1800’s. Photo courtesy of John Rankin

30 Madison Living

ment preserved in official Union accounts. The most descriptive Union reports were filed by a defensive Colonel Adam Gorgas of the 13th Illinois Infantry. He first reported on the day of the engagement that “We were attacked this morning at 8 o’clock by a cavalry force under Patterson, numbering about 1,000, with four pieces of artillery.” Considering their rude and sudden awakening and the driving rain, one can wonder how well the opposition could be numbered by the Union force as it fled for safety toward Huntsville.

When Brigadier-General C. . Matthies communicated on the 17th to t. Col. R. M. Sawyer about the event, he stated that “Rebel Patterson crossed with 500 men, three pieces of artillery, near Triana, moved on to Madison Station, destroyed all but the railroad, took Colonel Gorgas prisoner and 50 men, fell back to the river, not known if he crossed.” When Gen. Matthies reported to General J. E. Smith about the engagement later that day, he stated that a “Telegram from Decatur Junction says 2,000 mounted rebels at Madison Station. Burnt the town.”

It should be kept in mind that avoidance of disgrace and eligibility for promotions depended upon an ability to write reports containing good rationale for actions and outcomes. Sometimes details were a bit exaggerated.

Gorgas in his initial report further recounted that “...We were obliged to fall back, after a severe fight, and, being completely surrounded, we cut our way through their lines, and fell back to the bridge and water tank, about three miles east. We formed and returned to this place (Madison), and, after skirmishing, drove them from the town. They captured several of our men, what number we are not able to say. Our camp and garrison equipage, together with all the regimental and company papers, are either destroyed or carried off. The depot buildings are

A freight train makes its way through downtown Madison, which was the scene of fighting in May 1864. burned, together with about 50 bales of cotton (he said 70 bales in a report two days later). The railroad is all right, telegraph lines cut. We are left here without rations, and but little ammunition.”

Col. Gorgas did not mention in his initial report that the counter-attack did not occur until his force was greatly augmented by a trainload of Union troops and cavalry from Huntsville. Nor did he describe the true helter-skelter run along the tracks to escape from the town, as his unprepared force was lightly dressed and poorly armed while they were lost from sight in the downpour of rain and protected by the dense forest on each side of the tracks. He also forgot to say that the Rebel force had already retired from the town with wagonloads of plunder before he and his reinforcements returned to the town.

A much more detailed account of the engagement was filed by Col. Gorgas on the 19th of May, as follows: “I would respectfully submit the following report of the attack made on this post (Madison Station) by a force of the enemy, under command of Colonel Patterson, consisting of two regiments of mounted infantry and a battery of four 12-pounder howitzers, the entire force numbering about 1,000 men.

“The attack was made at 8:30 a.m. on the Triana road, on which two of their field pieces were placed in position, the two remaining pieces having crossed the railroad, together with a portion of the enemy’s command. They, however, did not get into position, as the attack was precipitated by the enemy’s being discovered by a forage train, which was just starting out.

“As soon as discovered the enemy opened fire from their two pieces on the Triana road, having previously sent detachments

Railroad bridge over Indian Creek, east of Slaughter and south of Old Madison Pike. Parts of the original stone support columns are still in place.

Madison Living 31

to each one of my picket posts, five in number, guided by some citizens who seemed to know the exact locality of each, encircling them and capturing them entire. On the first alarm my command was quickly formed in line, excepting three companies, who occupied the stockade in the rear of the depot building behind some cotton bales. Two companies were thrown out as skirmishers, but the enemy appearing in such a large force in their front, I ordered them to fall back to the main column.

In the meantime the stockade was rendered untenable by the rapid fire from the artillery, so that the three companies were compelled to fall back behind the railroad embankment, where I at length formed my entire command, being satisfied that we were outnumbered nearly four to one, and having nothing to resist their artillery, it would be impossible to hold the town, my command the entire time keeping up a rapid and incessant fire, killing 3 and wounding 15 of the enemy. At this time the rebel force appeared on both flanks and in my rear, which made it necessary to fall back still further, which I did, in the direction of the water tank toward Huntsville, dispersing the enemy in my rear by a few well-directed volleys, the artillery and nearly their entire force following on either side of the railroad, but the timber was so thick that they could do no damage.

“On arriving at within a half mile of the water tank I reformed my line, and after a short rest, again advanced toward Madison Station with a strong line of skirmishers, well extended on either side of the railroad. The skirmishers drove the rear guard of the enemy from town, the main force having departed after burning the depot buildings and about 70 bales of cotton. My camp equipage was also burned, it, however, consisting of only a small number of tents, which were scarcely serviceable. The men, also, have lost all of their extra clothing and blankets. The damage to the railroad was slight and readily repaired.

“As soon as the attack was made the wagon train, consisting of eight 6-mule teams and three 2-horse ambulances, were ordered on the Huntsville road, but were intercepted and captured, together with a small train guard and the teamsters. About 12 noon reenforcements arrived, consisting of the Fifth Ohio Cavalry, Colonel Heath, 120 men, and the Fifty-ninth Indiana Infantry, ieutenantColonel Scott, 220 men. These, together with 100 men from my regiment, moved after the enemy as rapidly as possible in a driving rain. Colonel Heath’s cavalry came up with the rear guard of the enemy early in the afternoon, and kept up a constant harassing fire, but his force was too small to make a forcible attack.

“The infantry came up just before sundown, the Fifty-ninth Indiana deploying as skirmishers and driving the enemy before them to the bank of the river, but night coming on and finding that the transportation (wagons) and prisoners were all across the river, our men fatigued, and ammunition almost exhausted, it was considered by the commanding officers to withdraw our forces. They were consequently marched back to Madison, a distance of 12

32 Madison Living

miles from Fletcher’s Ferry.

“From reliable sources I learned that the enemy’s loss at the ferry was 15 killed and 40 wounded. This estimate, I am positive, is not placed too high, which would make their entire loss 18 killed and 55 wounded. Of the number of prisoners from my regiment I have not been able to learn how many were wounded. The loss of the Fifty-ninth is 2 wounded, and the Fifth Iowa Infantry 1 killed. I have but 1 man wounded with the regiment. ...”

In a lengthy report by Brig. Gen. John E. Smith dated May 18, he stated several discrepancies from the Gorgas reports. The Smith report told of an estimated force of up to 3,000 Rebel forces, and that the first warning of the attack was receiving fire into the Union camp. He concluded his report with the statement that after receiving the initial Gorgas report, he was led to believe that Gorgas was “culpably negligent.”

Col. Gorgas blamed the successful surprise at Madison Station upon local citizens guiding the rebels to the locations of his five pickets, who were then overwhelmed before they could sound the alarm. In fact, subsequently the Union occupiers arrested Madison residents Dr. Richard Matthew Fletcher, Edward Betts, and James Harvey Pride. They were taken into Huntsville to be tried and hanged as spies for complicity in the event. After a gallows was constructed, a recently-transferred and remotely-billeted but friendly senior Union officer who knew that Dr. Fletcher had compassionately treated Federal soldiers during the occupation years came to Huntsville and had the men released.

One can also contrast the Union conditions with those reported by the Confederate commander in the attack, Col. Josiah Patterson. When he wrote to his commander, General Phillip Dale Roddey, on June 27 of 1864, just six weeks after the “affair” at Madison Station, he recounted his many engagements and marches during the recent months. He stated that he had 250 men in the Fifth Alabama Cavalry at that time. He mentioned having been in engagements at not only Madison Station but also Fletcher’s Ferry, Garth’s Farm, and Moulton. Much of the time was spent on quarter rations of corn in traversing mountains.

Patterson wrote that his men had marched, under orders, over 1,200 miles in the last five months without firing a shot, in addition to the many engagements and skirmishes along the way. He told Gen. Roddey that “You can well imagine, after all this marching, the condition of these men. I have sacrificed my command, ruined the horses of my brigade, in marching and counter-marching in obedience to orders, and for my life I cannot see where I have benefitted the country in a single instance during all these marches.”

This does not seem to fit as a description of the “overwhelming” Confederate force that routed the Union occupiers at Madison Station so efficiently, but it was an actual report written in confidence by Col. Patterson to his commanding general -- not for excuses.

SPORTS

COMPETITION CHEER

Cheerleaders aren’t just a pretty face or, in some cases, a handsome face. They are an elite group of athletes.

STORY BY BOB LABBE Lisa Aderholt shows many of her championship rings her cheer squads have won at Sparkman and Monrovia

Madison Living 33

C

Cheerleaders bring enthusiasm to any athletic event with their loud cheers and chants and many times eye-opening athleticism. Behind the scenes, cheerleading is more than just the “rah rah sis boom bah.”

Cheerleaders aren’t just a pretty face or, in some cases, a handsome face. They carry school pride and encouragement each and every day to the athletes and the school student body. They are an extension of what the school stands for and, in many ways, the “face” of the school. What most people don’t see is the hard work and dedication that goes into becoming and remaining a cheerleader. It’s a world of toiling at many athletic endeavors all while maintaining an image that reverberates throughout the community.

“Each squad member has to go through weight training, tumbling classes, stunting classes and running to build endurance, strength and conditioning, along with the skills needed to be a school based and competition cheerleader,” said Lisa Aderholt, longtime cheer head coach at Sparkman High and who recently retired from her position after 23 years with Senators and six prior years at Monrovia School.

Hannah Stockman, who is in a similar position for the last two seasons at James Clemens High, reiterated the idea it takes many talents to become a cheerleader. “The main thing is each cheerleader has to have so many types of skills and be

34 Madison Living

good as so many of them. They are required to do everything at an elite level, especially for competition cheer.”

James Clemens recently won two Alabama State Championships along with a Universal Cheerleading Association National Championship held in Orlando, Fla. The Sparkman Senators, who have one of only a few co-ed squads, also took home first-place hardware in two events at the AHSAA State Championships and two national titles with the UCA. Matter of fact, Aderholt led Sparkman to 29 total state championships and a dozen national titles in her tenure as head coach.

“Cheer competition teaches life skills as each of these student-athletes are held accountable of what they do and makes them more responsible adults after they leave high school,” said Aderholt.

“We stress our girls are students first and must be good students who lead by example,” said Stockman. “We practice five days a week and require each of our cheerleaders to be active in community service as we believe that is a huge pillar to build a program. Each of these girls know going into cheerleading they will be held to a higher standard in both physical condition and academics.”

Like most of the high school cheer programs, Sparkman has a five-page packet each student and their parents must sign and adhere to. Each cheerleader must be academically

secure, have a teacher recommendation, be punctual and beware of their social media posts. According to the list of rules and regulations within the packet for each student-athlete those include- Unexcused absences can result in removal from upcoming competitions or, if necessary, removal from the squad; Even if they are not in uniform, each represent themselves, their coach and school at all times.

There are four basics guidelines that are insisted on each Sparkman faculty, staff and students, which carries over to the cheer squad: be on time, be prepared, be responsible, be respectful.

Aderholt, an award winning cheerleader in her youth, cheered under the guidance of her mother, Madonna Holladay, who was the longtime cheer coach at Sparkman before she herself retired giving way to Aderholt to take the leadership of the Senators’ program. She cheered through strong discipline and numerous injuries and fell in love with the overall competition of the sport. “I loved the challenge the sport gave me every day, plus I loved the comradery being on the squad gave me,” said Aderholt, whose own daughter, Chelsea, became a member of the Sparkman cheer squad and later cheered at the University of Alabama.

Stockman also grew up in the immediate area and became involved in cheerleading through the Madison Pop Warner Football and Cheer program at Madison’s Palmer Park. She went on to cheer at Liberty Middle School and at Bob Jones where she was on the Patriots’ 2011 National Championship squad. She was named All-American for four consecutive years.

Hannah Stockman, right, is the head cheer coach at James Clemens High.

Madison Living 35

Stockman recently gave birth to her first child and will soon know what it‘s like to have her own child possibly become an athlete. With her experience in cheerleading, discipline will certainly be a virtue that will be instilled into her child’s life.

At James Clemens, the discipline guidelines also include no body art, hair must be at or near its natural color, no fake fingernails and must dress correctly with a clean, pressed look at all times. Stockman stressed her squads should look and act like a team as the end result of cheerleading is a team concept and every year is like starting over.

“Most people don’t realize the stunting in our perfor-

36 Madison Living

mances starts from square one every year and each athlete must learn from scratch each year and many times change positions within the team,” added Stockman. “Each must have versatility to be able to handle different roles and must master their skills. They must learn how to work together and with competition routines sometimes changing very quickly a time crunch in learning the routines is always a factor.”

Aderholt was lucky from the standpoint her mother set many rules and guidelines the school program still follows today. She stressed it takes a whole family to be a cheerleader and each student-athlete must have support from their

“

“Cheer competition teaches life skills as each of these student-athletes are held accountable of what they do and makes them more responsible adults after they leave high school.”

”

entire family.

Cheer squads have become a very lucrative venture for many of those who decide to follow the discipline and hard work as college scholarships are becoming more available and squad coaches have the responsibility to try and mold their student-athletes to where they can gain an education utilizing cheer.

“I get close to my cheerleaders and the toughest decisions I’ve had to make was dismissing some of them from our squads,” said Aderholt.

“Each of them become like my own kids.”

Madison Living 37

....................... AROUND TOWN .......................

More than a backpack

...

Lee Marshall

Founder / CEO Kids to Love Foundation

38 Madison Living

B

Backpacks have probably been tossed into a corner at your house as the kids soak in summer vacation. Children living in foster care, however, must keep their backpacks close because their backpack is more than school.

Backpacks serve as suitcases for many foster children. They carry clothes, toothbrushes, and the few other belongings when they are moved to a new foster home. That’s why we call our annual school supply program “More than a Backpack.” Backpacks pull double duty

for our kids. A backpack also stands for confidence and a more even playing field with their peers when a new school year begins.

The Kids to Love “More than a Backpack”, with your help, allows foster children to go to class with the things they need to learn: pencils, notebooks, scissors, markers and, of course, a brand new backpack.

Giving is easy. You can Click, Ship and Give through our Amazon link found at kidstolove. org. It’s way more than a backpack!

OUT&ABOUT

A BEAUTIFUL WORLD

State, national agencies certify Rainbow Outdoor Classroom

BY GREGG PARKER / PHOTOS BY JOHN PECK PICTURED ABOVE: Tim Gotthard, executive director of the Alabama Wildlife Federation, speaking at the Rainbow Outdoor Classroom dedication.

Madison Living 39

A

School and city leaders with an official from the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service (far left) and Executive Director Tim Gotthard (far right) from the Alabama Wildlife Federation.

At the dedication of Rainbow Elementary School’s Outdoor Classroom recently, a quote on a banner summarized the objective: “Every child is a different kind of flower and, all together, make this world a beautiful garden” . . . by Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi.

After months of volunteers’ ‘sweat equity,’ the Rainbow Outdoor Classroom received certification as both a State Outdoor Classroom and a National Wildlife Federation Schoolyard Habitat.

Officials who presided at the ceremony were Madison City Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols; Rainbow Principal Brian Givens; Madison Board of Education members Alice Lessmann and Tim Holtcamp; and Madison City Council members Ranae Bartlett, Karen Denzine and Connie Spears.

Teachers, parents and school staff members also attended.

Speaking at the dedication, Tim Gothard, who is Executive Director of Alabama Wildlife Federation, issued the certification documentation and said, “The mission of the Alabama Wildlife Federation is to promote the wise use and responsible stewardship of our natural resources.”

Satisfying that stewardship, the Rainbow Outdoor Classroom features learning stations that promote different conservation and ecological themes: • Sensory garden – Filled with plants that allow students learn to use their five senses as they record their observations.

• Songbird sanctuary — Provides students with ways to learn about the habitat needs of songbirds, their migration patterns and adaptations that have helped them survive.

• Butterfly garden and Monarch waystation – Includes the

40 Madison Living

Journey North program for students to study life cycle stages and migration patterns of butterflies like the Monarch.

• Pollinator garden – Explains the importance of bees and other pollinators for our food production.

• Log decomposition station – Shows the role of decomposers as students learn about food webs in ecosystems.

• Frog bog and pond – Assists students’ study of frogs, their metamorphosis and wetland environments as their habitat.

• Weather station – Assists students in analyzing data collected from weather instruments, such as thermometers, hygrometers, barometers and anemometers. This station was the final project for Drew Crocker, a Rainbow alumnus and Bob Jones High School student, to earn the Eagle Scout rank.

Crocker said he wanted the young students to see and understand different tools that real meteorologists use to calculate actual atmospheric conditions.

In addition, the Rainbow campus now has a new outdoor stage with natural log seats for assemblies or lectures about science-related topics.

“After the formal ceremony, students fanned out to the various learning stations to explain the exhibit and its teachable takeaways,” John Peck said. Peck is MCS Public Relations Manager.

Making this long-term project viable were the school system’s Partners in Education program with generous donations largely from Eagles Rising Veteran Consulting and HKSC Fund.

For more information about Alabama Wildlife Federation, visit alabamawildlife.org.

Rainbow Elementary’s measuring wall where students can compare their wingspans to the wingspans of birds native to Alabama.

Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols and Rainbow Principal Brian Givens, left; with students and parent City councilwoman Karen Denzine with Drew supporters Dwayne and Leila Moorehouse and Kimberly Backer.

Crocker at the weather station..

Rainbow student ambassadors at various stations within the outdoor classroom. They were on hand to help explain the outdoor classroom to guests.

Madison Living 41

42 Madison Living

OUT&ABOUT

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY Honoring those who died in the service of our country Madison Living 43

The American Legion Post 229 in Madison hosted a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Madison Veterans Park in the historic downtown district. It was a beautiful morning to honor those who died in the service of our country. Speakers included LTG Thurgood, Congressman Mo Brooks and Mayor Finley. The Bob Jones JROTC, St John Paul II band, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and the American Legion Post 229 Honor Guard participated in the event. Below are some photos from the ceremony. Photos courtesy of American Legion Post 229

44 Madison Living

Madison Living 45

46 Madison Living

OUT&ABOUT WWII veteran Sherwin Callander celebrates 101st birthday A local World War II veteran who was stationed at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked celebrated his 101st birthday on June 4. Sherwin Callander, who lives at Windsor House in Huntsville, had lived until recently in Madison. He was treated a special birthday party with family and friends. After boot training in San Diego, he was stationed at Pearl Harbor, where he worked on a sea plane tender, a World War I vessel. While on a mission to deliver supplies, he and his crew were out at sea when they were passed by a large carrier. Later, they heard the news on the radio that a Japanese carrier had bombed Pearl Harbor. They returned to port two days later to the devastation. Callander next volunteered for amphibious training and participated in invasions of North Africa, Sicily and Southern France. He was in Normandy on D-Day. Callander’s granddaughter Elaine Oakes of Madison said he never talked about his military experience; in fact, she was unaware of it until about 10 years ago. In 2014, Callander read about D-Day veterans making a 70th anniversary trip to France, and Oakes helped push documentation through to allow the two of them to make that trip. He moved to Madison at 89 to be closer to his daughter, Betty Little of Harvest, and her family, including Oakes, who has become his main care giver. You read more about his incredible story at www.theredstonerocket.com. Happy birthday Mr. Callander.

Madison Living 47

FOOD&DRINK

Mangia Italian Restaurant is serving new and fresh family recipes from Italy

S

BY MARIA RAKOCZY

Steaming plates of fragrant pasta dishes and golden pizzas adorn the tables of patrons at Mangia Italian Restaurant at The Shoppes at Redstone Gate on Zeirdt Road.

Mangia boasts an experienced chef behind the dishes and a friendly staff dedicated to providing a warm, family environment for guests.

Mangia uses fresh, locally and seasonally sourced ingredients to craft their dishes. Though the restaurant had already been handmaking the majority of their dishes previously, general manager Emily Hodges says the restaurant had to become even more independent during the pandemic.

“Ninety percent of the restaurant is made in house,” Hodges explainsed “Because of supply chain shortages during the pandemic, we had to make even more of our own food. We even make our own Italian sausage.”

The recipes are special as they are family creations of the owner, John Ashby, and other staff members. The dishes are influenced by the cuisine of South Italy, where garlic

48 Madison Living

and red sauce are the prominent flavorings.

Ashby prepares everything fresh daily in the store in what he describes as “New York-style Italian. This is the type of food that, if you had an Italian grandmother, she would make for you,” he said.

The restaurant’s menu offers a variety of familiar Italian foods including pizzas, calzones, and a diverse pasta selection. For those looking for a health-conscious option, salads are also on the menu, including a chicken Caesar salad and Italian chef salad. Portions are generous in size, especially the calzones which come in medium, large, and extra-large and are easily shared!

According Hodges, the most popular dish on menu is the Legendary Lasagna. The Legendary Lasagna packs in all the classic fillings of Italian sausage, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, and pasta. The Blackened Chicken Alfredo follows as another frequently requested item by guests. It is described on the menu as “spicy blackened chicken onto our own creamy Alfredo and

linguine.”

But for the guest who is itching to try something new, the restaurant is introducing several new items. They recently expanded their seafood options to include, among other items, cioppino.

Mangia’s cioppino is a stew that incorporates all of their available seafood, scallops, shrimp, clams, and mussels, that are flavored with white wine, garlic, and butter.

Guests can now finish off their meal with more dessert options too. Mangia has introduced a Dole Whip, the only place in the area to currently offer the pineapple soft-serve treat. Additionally, three other traditional flavors of soft-serve ice cream can be ordered. These dessert options are in addition to their house-made tiramisu and alternating selection of cakes. Mangia will also be offering weekly chef’s specials and drink specials to bring something new to the menu every week.

The restaurant’s wine selection contributes to an authentic experience as it is meticulously sourced from Italy, and Moscato is available that is sourced domestically. For those who prefer beer, Mangia has 24 rotating taps that will feature locally brewed craft beer. Mangia also offers house-made sangria, the recipe for which, actually comes from Hodges’ family.

On the family origins of the restaurant’s recipes, Hodges comments, “The recipes primarily come from the owner’s family, but the sangria recipe is from my family. We all sort of pitch in.”

Mangia’s catering accommodates busy families with their family style to-go pack that feeds four to six people buffet style and includes 12 breadsticks. Mangia does catering for businesses as well and even rents out the restaurant space for gatherings and events.

The menu is also accommodating to various dietary needs. Most pasta dishes are offered in a gluten free alternative. Vegan choices featured on the menu are spaghetti and meatballs with falafel balls and zucchini noodles and a vegan version of Pasta Alfredo.

Mangia is open Monday-Sunday 10am-9pm.

They offer delivery to areas within a five-mile radius of the restaurant, 2288 Zierdt Road, with an order minimum of $30. Delivery can also be placed through services such as Grubhub, Doordash, and Ubereats.

Updates on weekly drink and dish specials can be found on the restaurant’s Facebook page. More information about the restaurant and a version of the menu can be found on their website at www. mangiaitalianrestaurant.net. They can also be contacted by telephone at (256) 302-8024.

Madison Living 49

AT THE RICKY SHACK

Family Time...Another Generation!

F

Family time is truly special at The Ricky Shack. We all likely learned to cook by watching others and then wanting to try our hand at it. I can vividly remember my dad grilling the best T-bone steaks on an Old Smokey grill. He would light the “Old Diz” Charcoal (named for the great Cardinals baseball pitcher, World Series champion and NL MVP in 1934) and while waiting for the briquets to completely cover with grey ash, allow the steaks to approach room temperature. He would lightly brush the steak with Wesson Oil, sprinkle both sides with black pepper and place on the grill.

50 Madison Living

By Richard George @ricky_shack

Dad would cover with the lid to capture that smoky flavor, flip them with tongs, never a piercing fork, and right before removing from grill would liberally salt and place a pat of butter on top of the steak. I thought that butter was just for presentation-wow, was I wrong! Since we were raising our own cattle, I got to watch my dad cook a lot and even practice using aged and tender beef.

After rusting out several Old Smokey’s, a Weber and having more gas grill calamities than I will admit, we took the leap to the Big Green Egg (BGE). Whenever my immediate family

and especially my Mississippi family is around, the BGE is working its magic. My son has his own BGE, which he uses for certain foods. He has special cuts though that he prefers to smoke on his Traeger Pellet Grill. He has become quite the pitmaster and enjoys experimenting with both.

My daughter is always so busy raising her daughters, and/or talking with her mother that she doesn’t have the time (or frankly the interest) to grill out. SO, I have engaged our two granddaughters, Katie Lauren and Haley Claire Salvail.

Breakfast: Katie Lauren likes to help me fry bacon on the Blackstone Griddle. The later in the morning and the crispier the bacon, the better. She recently made a waffle omelet on a single waffle iron.

In a small mixing container, combine one egg with 1-2 tablespoons of milk, whisk well and add approximately 1/8 cup (three finger grab amount) of shredded cheddar cheese. A dash of salt and freshly ground black pepper rounds out the flavor. Spray the surfaces, then turn the waffle iron on to allow it to heat to its designated cooking temperature.

Break a piece of bacon in half and place them on the bottom of the waffle iron. Close the lid momentarily to allow the bacon to mold to the waffle marks. Pour your egg mixture to the fill line.

Close the lid and eagerly wait for a delicious treat.

Remove the omelets when the eggs are firm and the cheese is beginning to brown slightly. Adults might want to use a full-size waffle iron, if you can retrieve it from the high shelf in the pantry or the back of the lowest shelf in your kitchen cabinets. Also, you might like to substitute a little Crazy Jane’s seasoning, Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning or Hardin’s Seafood and Poultry seasoning. If that is not enough to tantalize your taste buds, add a dash of Tabasco or Frank’s Red-Hot sauce.

Lunch (or snack): Younger sister Haley Claire likes Hot Dogs and Tortilla wraps. This is a super easy concoction that even a 10-year-old can master. (OK, adult supervision is required on making and monitoring a BGE.) We eat 100% beef franks, cut with a “spiralizer” or hot dog cutter. Every grandparent should have one or both of these plastic tools, easily found on Amazon.

Throw the hotdogs on a low to medium heat, charcoal fire.

Roll them over periodically to cook all sides evenly. Although most hot dogs are pre-cooked, the flavor is truly enhanced by the fire and spices. After the first roll, brush a little Blues Hog BBQ sauce on the hot dogs, and continue after each roll (or flip) and allow the sauce to caramelize-this is the sweet flavor! Set them aside while you toast the tortilla directly on the grill. Sprinkle the tortilla with your favorite shredded cheese(s). When the cheese begins to melt, place the hotdog on the tortilla and roll it up. Serve and enjoy. Haley Claire requested avocado for next time.

Adults or teens might like to add more BBQ sauce, onions (especially French’s Original crispy fried onions), slaw or even chili. Small ramakins are handy for catsup, mustard or your favorite BBQ sauce. Double dipping is allowed, so consider getting individual ones. BTW: What is the difference in a tortilla wrap and a quesadilla?

Dinner: What youngster do you know that doesn’t like chicken tenders or strips? Smoked or grilled tenders are often cooked at The Ricky Shack for the granddaughters. Even the adults en-

Madison Living 51

joy them right off the grill or used on a green salad as the topping.

With adult supervision, bring a charcoal fire to 225-250 degrees, toss on a pecan log (from a tree, not Stuckey’s!) and wait for the blue smoke to become almost clear.

Place your chicken tenders on the grill, using indirect heat, convEGGtor legs up.

Katie Lauren is beginning to use the Hardin’s Seafood and Poultry seasoning to pacify her parents and grandparents.

Flip the chicken tenders over a couple of times, being careful to cook to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees. If you like BBQ sauce, brush the chicken after turning it over to allow the chicken to absorb some of the wonderful flavors and to char slightly. Try Big Bob Gibson’s Original White Sauce for a refreshing mayonnaise/ peppery taste or Blues Hog BBQ sauce for sweet/heat taste. I sometimes request that Katie Lauren set aside a couple of pieces, without BBQ sauce, for her GiGi to use the next day on a loaded green salad, e.g., blue-cheese dressing, homemade sourdough croutons, craisins, shredded cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, French’s Original crispy fried onion rings and a dash of Hardin’s Original Seasoning.......

Bam! Our family enjoys various dipping sauces, especially catsup, white and/or red BBQ sauce and even Buffalo sauce. Keep enough small ramekins.

You can imagine with two very active girls, playing softball or tennis (never at the same location), and a crazy school year, their mom and our daughter, Kimberly George Salvail, is happy to encourage them to learn to cook with their Pops.

Also, she knows her dad loves chocolate pie. Kimberly shares her easy to make Hershey Bar Pie below: Dessert: The easiest chocolate pie ever.

You only need six regular sized Hershey’s Chocolate Bars, a pre-made graham cracker crust and an 8 oz. Tub of Cool Whip. We prefer the Hershey’s with Almonds, but for those of you with an allergy, plain chocolate is still awesome!

Thaw the Cool Whip in the refrigerator.

Break apart the Hershey’s Bars, keeping a couple of squares aside for garnish, and microwave the remainder in a safe bowl until melted. Mix the Cool Whip and the melted chocolate until smooth and well combined. Simply pour this into the pie

52 Madison Living

crust. Freeze for 3 hours. Now grate the reserved chocolate squares onto the top of the pie, or decorate any way you wish.

Slice and serve. This pie is light and wonderful. Refrigerate the leftovers, should there be any.

Beverages: When the granddaughters come over, they like to make slushies. If the neighbors’ kids are outside and hear the ice crusher going, they begin to mysteriously appear in the backyard. This turns into a “slushie party” and everything gets sticky. My $20 Walmart shaved ice machine has been a real draw.

We crush/shave ice and add prepackaged snow cone syrup, available in more flavors than you care to experience. You cannot beat a Coke or Pepsi slush on a hot day. If you have been to the ballfields, you may have seen the youngsters eating pickle cicles. Katie Lauren thinks the best slushie is a mixture of sweet tea and pickle juice!

Yuk! Just remember to stock up on cups, spoons and baby wipes to clean up sticky hands, etc.

If truth were known, that shaved ice machine was purchased equally for making that wonderful southern beverage known as a “Mint Julep.”

My mint is growing well and the pruning of leaves for adult beverages is beneficial. In earlier articles, I highlighted the Kentucky Derby Julep and the Whitehall Julep. A quick and easy version is to simply fill a glass or julep cup with shaved ice, add 3 oz. of your favorite bourbon, 2 tbsp. mint simple syrup, stir slightly then garnish with a sprig of mint.

While finishing up this article, I heard a Kenny Chesney song, “You and Tequila” where he sings One is one too many, one more is never enough! So, why not consider a Tequila Mojito: Muddle five leaves of mint in the bottom of your julep cup, add 2 oz. of Patron or Casamigos Tequila, 1 oz. simple syrup, the juice of 1 fresh lime and stir gently. Fill the cup with shaved ice and add a splash of soda water and a sprig of mint for garnish.

Disfrutar juntos (enjoy together!)

MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS

Looking for a fun outdoor activity for the whole family to participate in? Play our Trains on Main Scavenger Hunt!

Trains on Main is a permanent, 24/7 outdoor scavenger hunt through downtown Madison created by the Madison Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the City of Madison and the Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Participants hunt for 8 bronze trains by utilizing clue cards, available from the Madison Chamber and City Hall or via download from this site. Once train spotters find all 8 trains, they bring their completed clue cards to the Madison Chamber of-

www.madisonalchamber.com

fice to collect a prize.

The clues, provided by the Madison Station Historical Preservation Society, educate, and inform participants about the colorful history of Historic Downtown Madison as they search for the trains. Families from all over the country have dropped by the Chamber to pick up their prizes and share their experiences.

For more information and to download the clue card, visit trainsonmain.com.

•

PHONE 256-325-8317

Madison Living 53

MADISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS

Ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings and award presentations held last month. Congratulations!

Bob Jones Senior, Jacob Webber is the $5k Mayor’s Scholarship recipient sponsored by Lockheed Martin.

Bob Jones Senior, Thomas Garza is the $1k Madison Chamber of Commerce Scholarship recipient.

James Clemens Senior, Jaycen Ervin is the $1k Madison Chamber of Commerce Scholarship recipient.

James Clemens Senior, Stephanie Goodloe is the $5k Mayor’s Scholarship recipient sponsored by Lockheed Martin.

Grand Re-Opening and Ribbon Cutting for Swan House Event Center

www.madisonalchamber.com

54 Madison Living

•

PHONE 256-325-8317

MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

y o j n e d n a

! d n i m peace of

Join and get TWO MAINTENANCE VISITS A YEAR from our NATE-certified technicians who will clean and check your unit for optimal performance.

YOU WILL ALSO RECEIVE: ✔ 10% discount on replacement parts ✔ Top priority if you need service during peak season ✔ No overtime charges We’ll handle the paperwork to register your systems. Call us today!

OneHourHuntsville.com

256-851-6510

Joe East

AL Cert #05007

4194 422-1

Join the JOE EAST ONE HOUR HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING

Madison Living 55

A new day. A new beginning.

It all starts with amazing care in a new facility nestled at the base of Monte Sano – the mountain of health.

The Orthopedic & Spine teams move to a new free-standing tower which is likely to become a destination for people seeking life-improving treatment options — a new beginning to do the important things in life.

It’s what people want from orthopedic and spine treatment.

419419-1 1

56 Madison Living

Huntsville, Alabama • huntsvillehospital.org/ost